Blessed Teresa Manganiello

Biography

Blessed Teresa Manganiello, also known as Maria Luisa Manganiello, was born on January 1, 1849, in Montefusco, Avellino, Italy. She was born into a farm family and grew up with a deep love for the Catholic faith. Throughout her life, Teresa felt a strong calling to the religious life, and she eventually became a Secular Franciscan Tertiary.

Teresa's dedication to her faith led her to pursue a particular project with the goal of forming a new congregation. Recognizing her profound faith and devotion, Pope Blessed Pius IX blessed her project, acknowledging the importance of her work. Unfortunately, before her project could come to fruition, Teresa passed away suddenly from an illness on November 4, 1876, in Montefusco.

Despite her untimely death, Teresa's work played a crucial role in the creation of the Franciscan Immaculatine Sisters. Father Lodovico Acernese, inspired by Teresa's vision, founded the congregation, considering her the spiritual cornerstone of their community. Her commitment to the Franciscan ideals and her determination to establish a new religious congregation set the foundation for the Immaculatine Sisters' mission and charism.

Teresa Manganiello's reputation for holiness grew after her passing, and her virtuous life and dedication to God became evident to those who knew her. Her heroic virtues were recognized by the Catholic Church, and her cause for beatification began. On July 3, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI declared her venerable, recognizing her exceptional virtues.

The beatification process culminated on May 22, 2010, when Pope Benedict XVI beatified Teresa Manganiello, formally acknowledging her as Blessed Teresa Manganiello. The beatification ceremony took place at the Square of the Basilica of Madonna delle Grazie in Benevento, Italy. Archbishop Angelo Amato presided over the celebration, representing the Holy See.

Blessed Teresa Manganiello's feast day is commemorated on November 4th each year, honoring the day of her passing. Devotees and members of the Franciscan Immaculatine Sisters celebrate her life and seek her intercession on this special day.

Her legacy as a lay woman with a profound and unwavering faith, her dedication to the ideals of the Franciscan spirituality, and her influential role in establishing the Franciscan Immaculatine Sisters make Blessed Teresa Manganiello an inspiring figure and a source of spiritual guidance for believers around the world.